Letter to the Editor
By Muhammad Khusairy Bakri
In the heart of Borneo, Sarawak’s lush landscapes hold natural wonders and a pool of skilled and talented individuals striving to contribute to the development of their homeland. However, a growing concern looms over Sarawak as its native workforce faces challenges hindering its professional growth and economic prosperity.
This article delves into the intricate web of issues faced by the Sarawakian-born skilled talent, from bureaucratic hurdles and low salaries to high taxes, soaring living costs, lack of benefits, and an overpowering political influence that collectively stifles the job market within the state.
One of the primary challenges faced by Sarawakian talent seeking employment within their home state is the intricate and often cumbersome bureaucratic processes. Despite possessing the requisite skills and qualifications, many individuals find themselves entangled in paperwork, delays, and red tape when attempting to secure a job.
The bureaucratic maze discourages potential employees and dissuades employers from navigating the system’s complexities, leading to missed opportunities for both parties.
While Sarawak boasts a rich tapestry of cultures and resources, the economic landscape paints a different picture, especially for its skilled workforce.
A significant number of qualified individuals often find themselves confronted with job offers that fall short of their expectations in terms of remuneration. This low salary trend not only undermines the value of their skills but also serves as a deterrent for retaining local talent, pushing them to explore opportunities beyond Sarawak’s borders.
Favoritism also significantly affects the salaries, especially when it comes to promotions.
The financial strain on Sarawakian professionals extends beyond meager salaries to the burden of high taxes and an ever-increasing cost of living.
The combination of these factors severely impacts the disposable income of skilled workers, leaving them with limited resources for personal and professional development. The disparity between earnings and living costs contributes to frustration among the local workforce, prompting many to question the sustainability of a career in their home state.
In addition to low salaries and high living costs, the absence of comprehensive benefits further exacerbates the challenges faced by Sarawakian talent.
The dearth of health insurance, retirement plans, and other employee benefits leaves skilled workers vulnerable, especially during economic uncertainty or personal crises. This absence of a safety net affects individuals’ well-being and perpetuates a cycle of job insecurity and reluctance to commit to long-term careers within Sarawak.
The specter of political influence looms large over Sarawak’s job market, casting a shadow on the fair distribution of opportunities. Allegations of favoritism and biased hiring practices have surfaced, with claims that political affiliations often play a decisive role in recruitment.
This undermines the meritocratic principles essential for a thriving job market and fosters an environment of distrust among Sarawakian talent, further driving them away from opportunities within the state.
The challenges Sarawakian-born skilled talent faces in pursuing employment within the state demand urgent attention and reform. In collaboration with private enterprises, the government must take proactive measures to address these issues and create an environment that fosters the growth and retention of local talent.
Firstly, bureaucratic processes need streamlining to facilitate a smoother transition from education to employment. Simplifying and expediting the hiring process will encourage employers and skilled individuals to invest in Sarawak’s job market.
Secondly, addressing the issue of low salaries is crucial to retaining local talent. The government should work with industries to establish fair wage standards that reflect the value of skills and qualifications.
Offering incentives to companies that provide competitive salaries will attract skilled workers and contribute to the state’s overall economic development.
Thirdly, measures should be implemented to alleviate the financial burden of high taxes and living costs. Reviewing tax structures and exploring ways to reduce the cost of living will improve the quality of life for Sarawakian talent and make staying in the state a more viable option.
Moreover, the government should actively promote the provision of benefits to employees. Encouraging companies to offer comprehensive benefits will not only enhance the workforce’s well-being but also contribute to a more stable and committed pool of professionals.
Lastly, steps must be taken to mitigate the influence of politics in the hiring process. Implementing transparent and merit-based recruitment practices will instill confidence in the local workforce, fostering an environment where talent is recognized and rewarded based on skills and abilities rather than political connections.
Sarawakian-born skilled talent struggling to find suitable employment within their homeland is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. By addressing bureaucratic hurdles, low salaries, high taxes, living costs, and the influence of politics, Sarawak can unlock the full potential of its local workforce and pave the way for sustainable economic growth.
The time for reform is now, and concerted efforts from the government, private sector, and society at large can create a conducive environment that not only attracts but retains the skilled talent necessary for the future prosperity of Sarawak. — DayakDaily
Ts Dr Hj Muhammad Khusairy Capt Hj Bakri is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Composite Materials and Engineering Center, Washington State University (WSU), a Faculty-Staff member for the Center of Bioplastics and Biocomposites (CB2) for North Dakota State University, United States of America, and a Lead Research and Development Sector of the Association of Professional Technicians and Technologists (APTT) Sarawak, Listed and indexed in the “Science and Research” category on the Fifth Edition of “Successful People in Malaysia” by Britishpedia as a successful young researcher in Malaysia published by British Publishing House Ltd, working on composite materials from the forest and industry products.
This is the personal opinion of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of DayakDaily. Letters to the Editor may be lightly edited for clarity.
